TWO BANKS OF FOUR / “Afro Blue”

17 Afro Blue (2 Banks).mp3 (4.17 MB)

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8 Responses to “TWO BANKS OF FOUR / “Afro Blue””

Might this be the same Rob Gallagher who was part of Galliano: an early triphop / jazz dance collective that made some beautiful soulful music in the early nineties? They are definitely worth a post.
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galliano_(band)

Not generally a fan of vocalese, but Oscar Brown’s cover is tremendous. A case where lyrics actually give new resonance to an already great song (another example I’d cite is a Jon Hendricks lyric/vocal cover of Bobby Timmons’ “Moanin'”).

Two other inspired versions of “Afro Blue” out there–(from) “Tito Puente’s Golden Latin Jazz All-Stars–Live at the Village Gate (Mongo plays with T.P.),” circa 1992. Also, a Mongo Santamaria title, “Watermelon Man”–the version of “Afro Blue” on here was recorded live at the Blackhawk Theater in San Francisco, 1962. This one has a bit more of that clave work in it that you cited in the Reeves cover, Kalamu.

The work that you two do on this site is truly life-affirming. Just great.

Try out Jeffrey Smith’s version from the 1999 Down Here Below project (also recently featured on the Kings Of Jazz compilation). Great energy, great arrangements and authentic supporting vocals from Malian songstress Assitan ‘Mama’ Keita.

D. Reeves is soooooooo…breathtaking. I interviewed her way back when she released Art and Survival and she is such a pure soul. ( Are they chanting “Yemaya” in the background of her version of Afro Blue or is that my imagination???)

That Zum Zum…yes!!! On point. Ay.

And come on, I can’t even be articulate about the Coltrane take on it.

Santamaria, 2Banks…all gorgeous.

Have y’all seen Donnie Betts film about Oscar brown Jr?????? Pure brilliance.

Thereare at least 150 recorded versions of Afro Blue. Even the all Music Guide does not list them all. I am in the process of putting together a 5 CD compilation with as many as I could reasonably find.